Discussion Response

Incrementalism and mixed scanning are both different models of the decision-making process. According to the text, “disjointed incrementalism seeks to adapt decision-making strategies to the limited cognitive capacities of decision-makers and to reduce the scope and cost of information collection and computation” (Faludi & Etzioni, 1973, p.219). In this model, the decision-making is left up to a group of partisans, a good decision is based on their agreement, and a poor decision are those that don’t consider each partisans input. The goal is to make the problem more manageable by addressing small portions of the problem at a time and not finding one defining solution to the problem. The mixed scanning approach combines incrementalism and rationalistic elements. “From an abstract viewpoint mixed scanning provides a particular procedure for the collection of information, a strategy about allocation of resources, and guidelines for the relations between the two” (Faludi & Etzioni, 1973, p.224).
After reading the descriptions and critiques of both planning styles, my preference would be the mixed scanning approach. The incrementalism approach relies heavily on the input among a group of partisans, therefore would not reflect the society wide views or needs. The mixed scanning approach focuses first on the broader issues then zeros in on any problem areas that have been revealed. I believe, although this approach might not capture every problem that needs to be addressed it is a manageable way to identify larger problems.
Reference:
Faludi, A., & Etzioni, A. (1973). Mixed Scanning: A “Third” Approach to Decision-Making. In
A reader in planning theory. essay, Pergamon Press.

The mixed scanning approach is an approach that allows a view of two sides of the spectrum which is more of a realistic view. This type of approach allows one to be able to look at and review all the different possibilities and options there are to choose from. On the other side, incrementalism is a view that focuses on one area of choice that have similarities and have proof of working form the past. The incrementalism view seems as if it is the safe way of viewing things, similar to an evidence-based approach.
Mixed scanning strategy thinking includes all approaches from different angles covering all parts of the topic (Etzioni, 1968). Mixed scanning is a view that looks at the whole picture and not necessarily every detail which could be a downfall if there are small details that are to be found but aren’t found because of the mixed scanning approach that is being utilized (Etzioni, 1968). As the name states, mixed scanning includes scanning over all information that is presented and not going too much into detail about it.
Works Cited
Etzioni, A. (1968). Mixed-scanning: A “Third” Approach to Decision-making. In A. Etzioni, A Reader in Planing Theory(pp. 217-229). New York: Free Press.

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